Modular Edge Patching System

ABSTRACT

The disclosed angled modular edge patching system is configured to be mounted to a ceiling, furniture or wall, facilitate cable management functions and enhance space utilization. The disclosed angled modular edge patching system including a patch panel element and a base, which are configured to be releasably engaged.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority benefit to a U.S. provisionalapplication entitled “Modular Edge Patching System,” which was filed onJun. 12, 2019 and assigned Ser. No. 62/860,292. Applicant incorporatesherein by reference the content of the foregoing provisional patentapplication. The present application is related to a commonly assignedU.S. patent entitled “Angled Patch Panel Assembly,” which issued on Apr.24, 2007, as U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,835. The entire content of theforegoing patent is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an advantageous modular edgepatching system and, more particularly, to an angled modular edgepatching system that is configured to be mounted relative to a ceiling,furniture or wall, facilitate cable management functions and enhancespace utilization.

BACKGROUND

Patch panels are well known in the field of data communication systems.A patch panel generally provides a plurality of network portsincorporated into a single structural element that connect incoming andoutgoing lines of a local area network (LAN) or other communication,electronic or electrical system. Patch panels are usually housed withina telecommunications closet or in an alternative location appropriatefor patching cables. Typical patch panels are mounted hardware unitsthat include a plurality of port locations (e.g., twenty four or fortyeight) that function as a sort of static switchboard, using cables tointerconnect computers associated with a LAN and/or to connect computersto an outside network, e.g., for connection to the Internet or otherwide area network (WAN). A patch panel generally uses a sort of jumpercable, called a patch cord, to create each interconnection.

In a typical installation, the patch panel connects a network'scomputers to each other and to the outside lines that enable the LAN toconnect to the Internet or another WAN. Connections are generally madewith patch cords and the patch panel allows circuits to be easily andefficiently arranged and rearranged by plugging and unplugging the patchcords. Patch panel systems are generally intended to facilitateorganization and management in implementing telecommunications wiringsystems, e.g., for high speed data networks.

Patch panels are routinely mounted between rack elements so as to permitwires or cables, e.g., unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, to be wiredto IDCs positioned at the rear face of the patch panel, and to furtherpermit patch plugs to be plugged into jacks or ports positioned in thefront face of the patch panel. Typical patch panels are substantiallyplanar, extending horizontally from rack element to rack element.Wires/cables are routed to the desired location at the rear of the patchpanel, i.e., in the bounded region defined by spaced rack elements.Patch cords are routed to the desired jack/port on the front face of thepatch panel, e.g., from a raceway or the like. Thus, for cablemanagement purposes, the patch cords are generally drawn toward one orthe other side of the patch panel at the front of the rack system and,from there, routed to the desired component and/or network communicationlocation.

Despite efforts to date, a need remains for improved angular modularedge patching system that is configured to be mounted to a ceiling,furniture or wall, facilitate cable management functions and enhancespace utilization.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a modular edge patching system(e.g., angled modular edge patching system) that may be configured to bemounted to a ceiling, furniture or wall. As used throughout, “modularedge patching system” may be used interchangeably with “modular patchpanel”, “patch panel”, “edge patching system” or “patching system”.According to the present disclosure, the disclosed modular patch panelmay be configured to facilitate cable management functions and enhancespace utilization.

The disclosed modular patch panel may include features/elementsconfigured, in part, to directly/indirectly mount to a ceiling,furniture or wall. The disclosed modular patch panel may be configuredto interface with at least one connector (and cable). In embodiments ofthe disclosure, “furniture” may refer to a desk, rack, console, shelf,table, chair, bookshelf, and similar structures thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, a modular patch panel assembly may include apatch panel element, which further includes a first surface and twoopposing sidewalls defining an interior and an exterior, and at leastone opening configured to receive at least one connector; and a base,which further includes a second surface and two opposing sidewallsdefining an interior and an exterior, and a protuberance extendingoutwardly from each of the sidewalls and including an engagementfeature, wherein the patch panel may be releasably engaged with theengagement features of the protuberances such that the first surface andthe second surface at least partially define the exterior. The patchpanel element may be slidably engaged with respect to the base. In someinstances, the patch panel element may be configured to receive sixlinearly aligned connectors. The protuberances of the base may bepartially angled with respect to each other. The angled protuberancesmay assist in mounting a first modular patch panel assembly in closeproximity to an adjacent modular patch panel assembly. In someinstances, at least two modular patch panel assemblies may engage with aplate. The plate may be configured to engage with a ceiling, furnitureor wall.

Additional advantageous features, structures and functions associatedwith the present disclosure will be apparent from the detaileddescription which follows, particularly when read in conjunction withthe accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A schematically depicts a perspective view of a modular patchpanel assembly according to this disclosure;

FIG. 1B schematically depicts a section perspective view of a modularpatch panel assembly according to this disclosure;

FIG. 2A schematically depicts a top perspective view of an unassembledmodular patch panel assembly including a patch panel element and a base,according to this disclosure;

FIG. 2B schematically depicts a bottom perspective view of anunassembled modular patch panel assembly including a patch panel elementand a base, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 2C schematically depicts a top perspective view of the bottom of anunassembled modular patch panel assembly including a patch panel elementand a base, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 3A schematically depicts a side section view of an assembledmodular patch panel assembly according to this disclosure;

FIG. 3B schematically depicts a side section view of an unassembledmodular patch panel assembly including a patch panel element and a base,according to this disclosure;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a top perspective view of an unassembledmodular patch panel assembly including a patch panel element, aconnector plate and a base, according to this disclosure;

FIG. 5A schematically depicts a top perspective view of an assembledmodular patch panel assembly including a plate according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 5B schematically depicts a bottom perspective view of an assembledmodular patch panel assembly including a plate according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a top perspective view of an unassembledmodular patch panel assembly including a plate according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a perspective view of an unassembledmodular patch panel assembly including a plate according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 8A schematically depicts a side section view of an assembledmodular patch panel assembly including a plate according to thisdisclosure; and

FIG. 8B schematically depicts a side section view of an unassembledmodular patch panel assembly including a plate according to thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “top,”“bottom,” “outward,” “inward,” “internal,” “external,” “front,” “back,”“side,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to beconstrued as limiting terms. Reference will now be made in detail toexemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in theaccompanying figures and examples. Referring to the drawings in general,it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intendedto limit the same.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciatedand understood when considered in conjunction with the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings. The following description,while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerousspecific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not oflimitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions orrearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and theinvention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions orrearrangements.

According to the present disclosure, the disclosed modular patch panelmay be configured to be mounted to a ceiling, furniture or wall,facilitate cable management functions and enhance space utilization.

Referring now to the drawings, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and drawings with the same reference numerals,respectively. Drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and incertain views, parts may have been exaggerated for purposes of clarity.

As depicted in FIGS. 1A-2C, modular patch panel 10 may include patchpanel element 12 and base 14. Patch panel element 12 may be configuredto movably engage with base 14. Patch panel element 12 may be configuredto releasably engage with base 12 (e.g., semi-permanent engagement).Base 14 may be configured to directly/indirectly engage with at leastone surface of the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall. Base 14 may befirst mounted directly/indirectly with respect to at least one surfaceof the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall and patch panel element 12may be secondly mounted with respect to base 14. However, it should beappreciated that patch panel element 12 may be mounted with respect tobase 14 at the same time as or before mounting base 12directly/indirectly with respect to at least one surface of thedisclosed ceiling, furniture or wall.

Patch panel element 12 may include first surface 16 (e.g., top or bottomsurface) and at least one sidewall 18, which, in part, define aninterior and an exterior. In some instances, patch panel element 12 mayinclude first surface 16 and two oppositely positioned sidewalls 18extending therefrom. Two oppositely positioned sidewalls 18 may besubstantially parallel, in part, and may be angled, in part, withrespect to each other. Sidewalls 18 may include features that promotereleasable engagement with base 14. Patch panel element 12 may furtherinclude one or more additional sidewalls adjacently positioned withrespect to the two oppositely positioned sidewalls 18. For example,patch panel element 12 may further include oppositely positioned frontface 20 and back face 22 extending therefrom and angularly positionedwith respect to sidewalls 18, such as perpendicular to or substantiallyperpendicular to sidewalls 18. Thus, first surface 16, sidewalls 18,front face 20 and back face 22 may, in whole or in part, define aninterior and an exterior. Sidewalls 18 may be configured to, in part,releasably engage with base 14.

Front face 20 and back face 22 may be positioned parallel to or angledwith respect to each other. Patch panel element 12 may be configured todirectly/indirectly interface with at least one of a connector (e.g.,jack or plug) and a cable. Front face 20 and/or back face 22 may beconfigured to directly/indirectly interface with at least one of aconnector (e.g., jack or plug) and a cable. For example, front face 20may include features/elements for directly/indirectly interfacing withat least one of a connector (e.g., jack or plug) and a cable. In someembodiments, front face 20 may be configured to interface with one ormore connectors, such as a connector for power, signal and/or controlapplications. Connector may be releasably engaged with front face 20and/or back face 22. It should be appreciated that depending on theconnector, the features/elements required to engage with such connectormay be different. Therefore, any discussion of features/elementsdesigned to interface with a specific connector type/design isnon-limiting and merely for ease of discussion, unless otherwise stated.In some instances, patch panel element 12 may include two or moredifferent connector types/designs.

In some embodiments, front face 20 may define at least one openingconfigured to releasably engage with at least one connector. In anexemplary embodiment, front face 20 may define a plurality of openings,each configured to releasably engage with at least one connector. Forexample, six linearly aligned openings, each configured to releasablyengage with at least one connector. However, more or less linearlyaligned openings may be incorporated without departing from thespirit/scope of this disclosure. In fact, the number of openings may bedetermined based on the desired form factor of modular patch panel 10.Front face 20 may further include at least one additional row oflinearly aligned openings. The at least one additional row of linearlyaligned openings may be aligned with, offset from or partially alignedwith and partially offset from the first row of linearly alignedopenings.

In an exemplary embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, patch panel element12 may further include connector plate 24 defining at least one opening26 configured to releasably engage with at least one connector 102(e.g., jack or plug). Opening 26 may define a bottom opening surface 44which may at least partially engage with connector 102. Bottom surface44 may be substantially planar with surface 48 of patch panel element12. However, it is appreciated that surface 48 may be positioned aboveor below bottom surface 44. Connector plate 24 may define a top surface46 and first front surface 42. Connector plate 24 may be fixedly engagedwith patch panel element 12 or may be configured to releasably engagewith patch panel element 12. In some instances, first front surface 42of connector plate 24 may be substantially planar with front face 20 ofpatch panel element 12. Connector plate 24 may further define topsurface 46, which may be configured to at least partially interface withbase 14, as discussed below.

In some embodiments, patch panel element 12 may define a featureconfigured to directly/indirectly engage with one or more features ofconnector plate 24. In particular, connector plate 24 may be configuredto slidably engage with slot 28 (e.g., U channel) of patch panel element12. Connector plate 24 may define sidewalls 30 configured to releasablyengage with U channel 28 of patch panel element 12. Sidewalls 30 maydefine second front surface 36 which may be configured to be received,in part, by U channel 28. Second front surface 36 may be planar with ormay be nonplanar with respect to first front surface 42. Sidewalls 30may further define lip feature 32 configured to interface, at least inpart, with U channel face 34. Lip 32 may at least partially stabilizeconnector plate 24 from undesirable movement (e.g., horizontal movement)when engaged with U channel 28 and/or assist with aligning connectorplate 24 into U channel 28. Connector plate 24 may define notch 38 whichmay be configured to engage with detent 40 of patch panel element 12.For example, connector plate 24 may include notch 38 positioned in closeproximity to sidewalls 30 and configured to at least partially engagewith detent 40. In particular, notch 38 may at least partially engagewith detent 40 when patch panel element 12 is substantially positionedwithin U channel 28. At least partial engagement of notch 38 with detent40 may aid in retaining connector plate 24 within U channel 28, therebyensuring connector plate 24 remains in contact with U channel 28.

In some embodiments, connector plate 24 may define at least one openingconfigured to releasably engage with at least one connector 102.Connector plate 24 may define a plurality of openings, each configuredto releasably engage with at least one connector 102. For example,connector plate 24 may define six linearly aligned openings, eachconfigured to releasably engage with at least one connector. However,more or less linearly aligned openings may be incorporated withoutdeparting from the spirit/scope of this disclosure. In fact, the numberof openings may be determined based on the desired form factor ofconnector plate 24. Connector plate 24 may further include at least oneadditional row of linearly aligned openings. The at least one additionalrow of linearly aligned openings may be aligned with, offset from orpartially aligned with and partially offset from the first row oflinearly aligned openings.

Patch panel element 12 may further include one or more features/elementsfor managing cables/connectors (see FIG. 1B). For example, patch panelelement 12 may include cable management features 50 positioned withrespect to the interior of first surface 16. Cable management features50 may protrude from the interior of first surface 16 in the directionof top surface 46 of connector plate 24. Cable management features 50may include at least one protrusion 52, 54 defining an upper surface 56.Upper surface 56 may at least partially engage with one or more ofconnector 102 and cable (not shown). In some instances, cable managementfeatures 50 may include protrusion 52 positioned substantially parallelwith respect to connector plate 24 and protrusion 54 positionedsubstantially perpendicular with respect to protrusion 52. Upper surface56 may be planar with one or more of surface 48 of patch panel element12 and bottom surface 44 of connector plate 24. However, upper surface56 may be nonplanar with respect to surface 48 and bottom surface 44. Insome instances, protrusions 52, 54 may define at least one void 58 thatcorrespond to (e.g., dimensionally correspond to) at least one opening26. At least one void 58 may be configured to interface with one or moreof connector 102 and cable (not shown). At least one void 58 may extendat least partially between front face 20 and back face 22 of patch panelelement 12.

As depicted in FIGS. 1A-4 and as mentioned above, modular patch panel 10may include patch panel element 12 and base 14. Patch panel element 12may be configured to movably engage with base 14. Patch panel element 12may be configured releasably engage with base 12 (e.g., semi-permanentengagement). Base 14 may be configured to directly/indirectly engagewith at least one surface of the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall.Base 14 may be first mounted directly/indirectly with respect to atleast one surface of the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall and patchpanel element 12 may be secondly mounted with respect to base 14.However, it should be appreciated that patch panel element 12 may bemounted with respect to base 14 at the same time as or before mountingbase 12 directly/indirectly with respect to at least one surface of thedisclosed ceiling, furniture or wall.

Base 14 may define second surface 66 (e.g., top or bottom surface) andat least one sidewall 84, which, in part, define an interior and anexterior. In some instances, base 14 may include second surface 66 andtwo oppositely positioned sidewalls 84 extending therefrom. Twooppositely positioned sidewalls 84 may be substantially parallel, inpart, and may be angled, in part, with respect to each other so as tocorrespond to sidewalls 18 of patch panel element 12. Base 14 mayfurther include oppositely positioned front face 68 and back face 70extending from second surface 66 and angularly positioned with respectto sidewalls 84, such as perpendicular to or substantially perpendicularto sidewalls 84. Thus, second surface 66, sidewalls 84, front face 68and back face 70 may, in whole or in part, define an interior and anexterior. Sidewalls 84 may be configured to, in part, releasably engagewith patch panel element 12. Base 14 may further define one or morefeatures configured to at least partially engage with patch panelelement 12. Base 14 may define a substantially U shaped interior in viewfrom front face 68.

In an exemplary embodiment, base 14 may be configured to slidably engagewith patch panel element 12 so as to form, in part, modular patch panel10 having two exposed surfaces 16, 66. (See FIGS. 3A and 3B). Sidewall18 and/or sidewall edge 19 of patch panel element 12 may at leastpartially interface with base 14. For example, sidewall 18 of patchpanel element 12 may be in at least partial contact with sidewall 84 ofbase 14 and/or sidewall edge 19 of patch panel element 12 may be in atleast partial contact with protrusion 90 extending from interior surfaceof second surface 66 of base 14.

Further, patch panel element 12 and base 14 may interface with one ormore releasable locking features 62, 79. (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). Lockingfeatures 62, 79 may be correspondingly configured to engage so as tosemi-permanently lock patch panel element 12 and base 14 together. The“locking” may occur during slidable engagement between patch panelelement 12 and base 14. For example, patch panel element 12 may definechannel 60 which is associated with at least one of first surface 16 andsidewall 18 and may extend at least partially between front face 20 andback face 22. Channel 60 may be associated with a portion of firstsurface 16 and a portion of sidewall 18 and may define a substantially Lshaped channel. L shaped channel 60 may further define locking feature62 (e.g., detent) which protrudes from a surface of L shaped channel 60so as to define engagement surface 64. Base 14 may define acorresponding channel including feature 78, configured to travel inclose proximity to L shaped channel 60 during slidable engagement ofpatch panel element 12 and base 14, and locking feature 79, configuredto restrict, in part, movement of locking feature 62. Correspondingchannel, feature 78 and locking feature 79 may be associated withprotuberance 72. Upon engagement of locking feature 62 in lockingfeature 79, patch panel element 12 is semi-permanently “engaged” withrespect to base 14 so as to minimize (or eliminate) slidable movement.Additionally, L shaped channel 60, in close proximity to back face 22,may engage with corresponding features 80, 82 of base 14. Features 80,82 may be substantially perpendicular with respect to each other so asto provide a backstop for patch panel element 12. Upon engagement ofpatch panel element 12 and base 14, back face 22 of patch panel element12 and back face 70 of base 14 may define void 92. Void 92 may beconfigured to allow at least one cable to pass through from interior ofmodular patch panel 10 to the exterior.

Removal of patch panel element 12 from base 14 may be accomplished by aplurality of methods. In one example, protuberance 72 of base 14,associated, in part, with sidewall 84, may be at least partiallyflexible so as to enable disengagement of locking features 62, 79.Protuberance 72 may include cavity 76, which may be defined, in part, byouter surface 73 and inner surface 74. Inner surface 74 may besubstantially parallel to sidewall 84, however, inner surface 74 may beangled with respect to sidewall 84 without departing from thespirit/scope of this disclosure. Outer surface 73 may be angled withrespect to sidewall 84. Protuberance 72 may extend from second surface66 thereby defining a substantially U shaped cavity, configured for, inpart, receipt of patch panel element 12. Protuberance 72 may beconfigured to move relative to second surface 66 (e.g., rotationalmovement with respect to second surface 66). Protuberance 72 may beconfigured to move relative to patch panel element 12 so as to promotedisengagement of locking features 62, 79. Cavity 76 may facilitate, inpart, movement of protuberance 72 without severely impacting thestructural integrity of protuberance 72 and/or base 14. Cavity 76 maypromote flexing of protuberance 72 to sufficiently disengage lockingfeatures 62, 79. Upon disengagement of locking features 62, 79, patchpanel element 12 may be slidably removed from base 14. It is appreciatedthat during slidable engagement of patch panel element 12 with base 14protuberance 72 may outwardly flex relative to second surface 66 aslocking feature 62 travels past feature 78.

Modular patch panel 10 may be configured to directly/indirectly engagewith at least one surface of the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall.Modular patch panel 10 may be configured to be releasably engaged withat least one surface of the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall. Insome embodiments, base 14 may be configured to interface with at leastone surface of the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall. For example,feature 86 and/or 88 may be configured to directly/indirectly engagewith at least one surface of the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall.In some embodiments, one or more fasteners (e.g., screw) may traversefeature 86, 88 so as to engage modular patch panel 10 to at least onesurface of the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall. Engagement ofmodular patch panel 10 to at least one surface of the disclosed ceiling,furniture or wall may be semi-permanent (or permanent). It should beappreciated, however, that other mounting methods may be utilizedwithout departing from the spirit/scope of this disclosure.

In a non-limiting example, patch panel element 12 and base 14 may befabricated from a material selected from the group including, plastic(e.g., Ultem® 1010 PEI, ABS PA 765A, Teflon™) and metal (steel,aluminum). In some instances, patch panel element 12 and base 14 may befabricated from the same material and in other instances, from differentmaterials. Modular patch panel 10 may be fabricated so as to be UL®Plenum Rated.

As depicted in FIGS. 5A-8B, assembly 200 includes modular patch panel 10configured to at least partially engage with plate 202. Plate 202 may beconfigured to interact with the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wall.Engagement of plate 202 with the disclosed ceiling, furniture or wallmay be accomplished using, at least one of fastener(s) (e.g., screws,bolts, pins), adhesive (e.g., tape, glue), hook and loop fastener. Plate202 may be fabricated from a material selected from the group including,plastic (e.g., Ultem 1010 PEI, ABS PA 765A, Teflon) and metal (steel,aluminum). Plate 202 may be configured to engage with at least onemodular patch panel 10.

Plate 202 may be configured to engage with a plurality of modular patchpanels 10. For example and as depicted, two modular patch panels 10 maybe associated with plate 202. Modular patch panels 10 may be angularlypositioned such that first front surface 42 of the first modular patchpanel 10 is nonplanar with first front surface 42 of the second modularpatch panel 10. First modular patch panel 10 may be positioned such thatouter surface 73 of protuberance 72 is in close proximity to outersurface 73 of second modular patch panel 10. A plurality of plateassemblies 200 may be angularly positioned relative to each other. In anon-limiting example, four plates 202 including two modular patch panels10 each may be angularly positioned relative to each other so as toassemble eight modular patch panels 10 in close proximity thereto. Thus,in instances where each modular patch panel 10 includes six openings 26for receipt of at least one connector 102, the disclosed four plateassembly may be configured for receipt of at least forty-eightconnectors.

Plate 202 may include engagement features 212 which extend from surface204 and may be configured to at least partially engage with surface 66of base 14. Particularly, engagement features 212 may define asubstantially T shaped cross-section that is configured to engage withfeature 86 of base 14. Plate 202 may include a plurality of T shapedengagement features 212. Feature 86 of modular patch panel 10 may beconfigured to engage with T shaped engagement feature 212 at a firstposition. Modular patch panel 10 may be moved from the first position toa second position so as to engage plate 202 with modular patch panel 10in a releasably locked configuration. (See FIGS. 8A and 8B). Plate 202may further include latch 208 having an engagement feature 210configured to engage with modular patch panel 10 so as to restrictslidable movement of modular patch panel 10 when positioned at thesecond position. Latch 208 may be disengaged so as to facilitatemovement pf modular patch panel 10 from the second position to the firstposition. Subsequent modular patch panels 10 may be assembled/removed asset forth above.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, may be applied to modify any quantitative or qualitativerepresentation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a changein the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a valuemodified by a term such as “about” or numerical ranges is not to belimited to a specified precise value, and may include values that differfrom the specified value. In at least some instances, the approximatinglanguage may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuringthe value.

While the disclosure has been described in detail in connection withonly a limited number of aspects and embodiments, it should beunderstood that the disclosure is not limited to such aspects. Rather,the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the scope of the claims.Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have beendescribed, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, thedisclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description,but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A modular patch panel assembly comprising: a. a patch panel elementincluding: i. a first surface and two opposing sidewalls defining aninterior and an exterior, and ii. at least one opening configured toreceive at least one connector; b. a base including: i. a second surfaceand two opposing sidewalls defining an interior and an exterior, and ii.a protuberance extending outwardly from each of the sidewalls andincluding an engagement feature, wherein the patch panel element isreleasably engaged with the engagement features of the protuberancessuch that the first surface and the second surface at least partiallydefine the exterior.
 2. The modular patch panel of claim 1, wherein thepatch panel element is slidably engaged with the base.
 3. The modularpatch panel of claim 1, wherein the patch panel element is configured toreceive six linearly aligned connectors.
 4. The modular patch panel ofclaim 1, wherein the protuberances are partially angled with respect toeach other.
 5. The modular patch panel of claim 1, further comprising aplate configured to engage with at least two modular patch panelassemblies.
 6. The modular patch panel of claim 5, wherein theprotuberance of a first modular patch panel assembly is configured to bemounted in close proximity with the protuberance of an adjacent modularpatch panel assembly.
 7. The modular patch panel of claim 1, wherein thetwo opposing side walls of the patch panel element are substantiallyparallel in part.
 8. The modular patch panel of claim 1, wherein the twoopposing side walls of the patch panel element are angled relative toeach other at least in part.
 9. The modular patch panel of claim 1,wherein the two opposing side walls of the patch panel element includefeatures that releasably engage the base.
 10. The modular patch panel ofclaim 1, wherein the patch panel element directly or indirectlyinterfaces with at least one of a connector and a cable.
 11. The modularpatch panel of claim 1, wherein the patch panel element includes one ormore releasable locking features that function to semi-permanently lockthe patch panel element relative to the base.
 12. The modular patchpanel of claim 11, wherein the one or more releasable locking featuresincludes an L-shaped channel that includes a detent associated with theexterior of the patch panel element.
 13. The modular patch panel ofclaim 1, wherein the patch panel element is fabricated from a materialselected from the group consisting of a plastic and a metal.
 14. Themodular patch panel of claim 1, wherein the base is fabricated from amaterial selected from the group consisting of a plastic and a metal.15. The modular patch panel of claim 1, wherein the patch panel elementand the base are fabricated from the same material.